Trying to be polite while maintaining a look on my face that most people would have taken as their cue to leave me alone, I informed him that I have four brothers and two sisters. "Ah, Catholic!" he replied. "Yeah, you got me there," I replied sarcastically, not bothering to clarify that I was raised Catholic, but haven't been of that faith since childhood. Besides, we were in Salt Lake City. I could have just as easily been Mormon, for all he knew. Aren't they also known for their large families?
More questions: How'd I end up in Nashville from California; what did Elizabeth want to be when she grew up. When Elizabeth said she wanted to help animals like her aunt Jeannie does, the man was aghast, "You can't make any money doing that!" I should have mentioned that veterinarians make pretty good money, but that didn't spring to mind at the time. Ignoring for the moment that Elizabeth is only 8 and doesn't have to worry yet about how much money a future career might bring, I felt the need to defend her aunt, my sister. I informed the man that Jeannie and her family do somehow manage to make ends meet while doing what they love. To my way of thinking, she's far richer than this overbearing capitalist pig so desperate for human interaction that he strikes up conversations with anyone who will tolerate him. I'm sorry, did that come off angry?
Elizabeth slept a little on this next, shorter flight to Sacramento. The nosy salesman was a few rows in front of us, in first class, insinuating himself into the life of the man next to him. In the Sacramento airport, my sister-in-law June was kind enough to meet us in the baggage claim area to lead us to my brother Greg's car for the ride to our Dad's apartment/old folks home, and our guest room within.
Having arrived at the home, Dad led the way to the guest room at the end of the hall as Greg, June, Elizabeth and I followed. June commented on how well Dad, with his long strides, moves for his age. I agreed. He's always had such good posture, and now looks, acts and moves like a man 20 years younger. He later bragged that he's the oldest one in the home who doesn't need a walker.
It was 11:30pm, 1:30am our time, by the time we were in our room. Elizabeth wanted dinner, but I told her to wait for breakfast. She also wanted us to sleep in the same bed. I was fine with it this one time, but the twin beds were so narrow it would have been physically impossible. We were both fast asleep within minutes of hitting our separate pillows.
Part 2, Part 3